Saint Bernard

SAINT BERNARD DOG BREED

Description:

The Saint Bernard is a very old dog breed, originally from Switzerland. These dogs have many unique qualities which make them very successful in search and rescue. Hence, Saint Bernards are very intuitive and can sense the impending danger; also, they have an excellent sense of smell and therefore the ability to accurately determine the direction of their search. The Saint Bernard is a reliable worker and a good companion.

Height: 23-26 inches Weight: 100-200 pounds Lifespan: 8-10 years

Characteristics:

Despite its power and impressive size, this breed is almost never aggressive. On the contrary, the Bernard is gentle, attentive and quite benevolent. He is a very smart, humble dog. Comparable Breeds: The Newfoundland.

Character:

Even though this breed has a rather sad appearance, the Saint Bernard is quite enthusiastic. This sweet dog gets on well with other pets and children. Bernards are watchful, always ready to defend their family and territory. They aspire to be everyone’s favorite, actively drawing attention to themselves. The Saint Bernard is very smart and at the same time quite headstrong, so his owners should be patient. This dog breed is afraid of being alone for long period of time, and it may become unmanageable.

Coat / Care:

Saint Bernards can be either short-haired or long-haired. Regardless of the length of the hair, the Saint Bernard is adorned with a thick and waterproof coat. Short-haired varieties usually have a smooth and long coat. This breed comes in a combination of colors, including white, red, black, brindle and mahogany. The Saint Bernard sheds heavily twice a year, so he needs thorough care during. This dog breed needs a daily cleaning and brushing with a stiff brush. This procedure reduces the hair loss during shedding season. Since Bernards are prone to ear infection, make sure to regularly clean your dog’s ears.

Health Problems:

In addition, this breed is prone to wobbler syndrome, heart and skin diseases, allergies, epilepsy, cataracts, bloating. Also, these dogs do not tolerate extremely high temperatures.

Training:

The Saint Bernard needs to be socialized and trained at an early age. This dog is always happy to please his master, so patient and gentle coach will easily train the dog. Saint Bernards are obedient, and they easily execute simple commands.

Activity:

Because this breed tends to overheat, the Saint Bernard should not exercise too much. Daily walks will keep these dogs healthy. Bernards are very suited for life in a city apartment. However, they feel better in a small, fenced yard.